Getting Really Good at Change

Update for Apr 4-8

After 10 years, I think it's safe for me to say that a career in education doesn't get easier.

I used to think that after working at something for a few years would lead to efficiency and allow me to be more supportive of each student in my class.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the future.

iPads, social media, connected learning, Twitter all happened within the last 10 years and they changed a lot about learning.

If I were to place my bet on what will happen over the next 10 years, I'd bet on change.  I'd also double down on the fact that it's not going to get easier for educators who are expecting years of experience to equal "ease of use".

So how does the mild-mannered educator deal with this reality?

Accept it.

Expect it.

Embrace it!

Get really good at change!  Yes, it's possible!  

And it starts with...you guessed it: A growth mindset.

Actually it starts with recognizing the mindset you have when you are face-to-face with change.  Do you find yourself trying to cling to the comfort zone or thinking of the opportunity?  If you are in the former, consider this --

So how do we overcome our default response of seeking to stay in our comfort zone?  

Practice.

Build skill.

In this case, we need to press pause and get our mind right when faced with change.  We need to identify our mindset and adjust it if it will not lead us to embracing change.

But think about it - It takes practice, just like a sport.  It takes mental reps that will take you through the process of pressing pause, getting your mind right, and readying yourself to consider the opportunity that change brings you.

So in a way, this does get easier --  but only if you are willing to put  your focus on getting better at change and then committing to practicing and building skill.

Have a GREAT week!

-Herb


Articles Worth Reading -- 

Finish this sentence - "Every student should be able to _________ by the time they are finished school."

— George Couros (@gcouros) April 1, 2016

52 Of Our Favorite Inspirational Quotes For Teachers http://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/52-favorite-inspirational-quotes-for-teachers/ via @teachthought


Personalize Learning: Personalized Learning Through the Eyes of a Child http://www.personalizelearning.com/2016/03/personalized-learning-throug


Three lessons on innovation that I learned during my 12 years at Apple: http://www.fastcompany.com/3058271/lessons-learned/three-lessons-on-innovation-i-learned-during-my-12-years-at-apple by @KelliRichards via @FastCompany 


Upcoming Dates

Apr 4 — School Community Meeting: “Press Pause, Get Your Mind Right”

Apr 4 — PTO Meeting, 7PM

Apr 5 — Herb meeting out of building AM

Apr 5 — BIT Meeting, 8AM

Apr 5 — Steering Committee Meeting, 3:45, ADE

Apr 6 — ADE Staff Meeting: R-Factor Training - R4

Apr 7 — Herb meeting outside of bldg AM

Apr 8 — KG to Franklin Park Conservatory

Apr 12 — 3, 4, 5 ELA State Testing (AM)

Apr 12 — Connection Time w/ Herb (Email-Schedule limited due to testing)

Apr 12 — Tech/Media Planning day w/Teams

Apr 13 — Spec Ed Team Meeting, Noon

Apr 13 — RTI Team Meeting

Apr 14 — PD w/ Dr. Donna: “Connecting Classroom Language to Student Success”

Apr 15 — School Community Meeting: Walk-a-thon Kickoff

Apr 18 — 3, 4, 5 Grade Math State Testing

Apr 20 — ADDC Staff Meeting, 3:40 ADE Media Center

Apr 21 — 4th Grd (Soc St), 5th Grd (Sci) State Testing

Apr 21 — Herb Meeting AM

Apr 22 — Interims Go Home

Apr 27 — ADE Walk-a-thon (during related arts time)

Apr 28 — Transfer Meeting